Natalia Dedinsky
Pope Leo XIV has recently named the head of the Knights of Columbus, Supreme Knight Patrick E. Kelly, as a member of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family, and Life.
This appointment comes less than a month after the 144th Supreme Convention of the Knights of Columbus, which was held in Denver, Colorado. The attendees received a message from the pope, thanking them for their work and encouraging them as they continue on.
The Knights have greatly contributed to the growth of the Church in the United States. Their founder, Fr. Michael McGivney, was beatified by Pope Francis in October 2020.
They are a service organization, offering more than 48 million service hours and $200 million in thier local communities in 2025 alone. They also contributed to restorations inside of the Vatican and provide life insurance to families.
Patrick E. Kelly joined the Knights of Columbus while in university in 1983 and, in 2021, became the Supreme Knight of the Catholic fraternal service organization.
Mr. Kelly lives with his wife and daughters in the United States, where he served more than 20 years in the U.S. Navy. He holds degrees in Law and Economics, as well as a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Studies.
Mr. Kelly formally commented on the appointment.
“Since our founding by Blessed Michael McGivney in 1882, the Knights of Columbus has been dedicated to strengthening Catholic laymen in the faith, to supporting Catholic family life and to building up a culture of life. I look forward to supporting this vital work of the Catholic Church, and I pledge, as always, the loyalty and prayers of our 2.2 million brother Knights around the world for our Holy Father.”
Mr. Kelly has worked in both military and public service, including on interreligious dialogue and counterterrorism.
He served as a liaison between the U.S. Government and the Holy See and has been on the board of several Catholic organizations. He and his wife also joined the Order of Malta one day prior to his dicastery appointment.
